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Mayor Dan Clodfelter joined representatives from Microsoft to kick off YouthSpark Live, an event allowing local Charlotte youth to identify the skills they need to reach their goals, figure out how technology will accelerate them forward, and get connected to programs that will help them get there.

“We applaud Microsoft for their commitment to Charlotte – not just as a great employer, but also as a great corporate citizen, helping prepare our young people for career and entrepreneurship opportunities,” said Clodfelter.

Charlotte’s top influencers in education and public policy including Thomas Davis, NFL Carolina Panthers Linebacker and CEO the Thomas Davis Defending Dreams Youth Foundation, and Reggie Issac, Microsoft Charlotte Campus Director were among those attending.

The YouthSpark Live event in Charlotte is just one of the many ways Microsoft is working with the city on education-initiatives. The City of Charlotte and Microsoft recently entered into a Digital Alliance Agreement.

The Digital Alliance partnership increases access to Microsoft software and technology support for citizens with an emphasis on K-20 education, student entrepreneurs, software startups and job seekers. It supports the local economy through increased digital literacy (education), career readiness (employment), and services for accelerating innovation (entrepreneurship). The YouthSpark event also tied directly in with the Mayor’s efforts to promote My Brother’s Keeper in Charlotte.